Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Cassina LC2 Black Leather Three-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier, 1980s
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Cassina
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage modernist LC2 Grand Confort black leather three-seat sofa was designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand in 1928 and manufactured by Cassina in th...
Steel, Chrome
Divanotti Italian Freestanding Red Leather Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
An outstanding freestanding two-seat sofa manufactured by Divanotti, Italy. This sculptural model showcases the expressive elegance of Italian contemporary furniture design with its ...
Metal, Other
Italian Curved Three-Seat Sofa in Light Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric and wood, Italy, 1950s. Simplistic Italian sofa with clean lines and a high back. The sofa features small tapered wooden legs. The high back embraces the sitter in com...
Fabric, Wood
$3,463Sale Price|57% Off
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn, Teak and Cane, 1950s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
1950s sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn. Filigree teak frame with a bast backrest. New upholstery with a coarse weave high quality fabric. Excellent condition with signs of age.
Wool, Rattan, Teak
Togo Two-Seat Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, 1973
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Iconic Togo two-seater sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973. A celebrated example of French modernist design, recognised for its distinctive low-slung silhouette, ...
Textile
Lara Sofa in black leather by Pamio, Toso and Massari for Stilwood, Italy, 1960
By Stilwood, Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Noti Massari
Located in amstelveen, NL
Lara modular sofa, designed by Roberto Pamio, Renato Toso and Noti Massari for Stilwood, Italy, in the 1970s The Lara is defined by its generous pro...
Leather, Foam
Harvey Probber Sloped Arm Sofa
Located in Hanover, MA
At last, a mid-century sofa at a comfortable seat height thanks to its 10 inch high legs. Original Harvey Probber mid-century modern sofa with distinctive sloped arms and square tape...
Brass
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Mid Century Sofa
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mies van der Rohe for Knoll Mid Century Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 32 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 25.25 inches Fair Vintage Condition ...
Leather
Modular Sofa Attributed to Adriano Piazzesi Original 1970s Brown Velvet
Located in Palermo, PA
Modular Sofa Attributed to Adriano Piazzesi in Original 1970s Brown Velvet fabric. This striking modular sofa, attributed to Italian designer Adriano Piazzesi is a true statement p...
Steel
Soriana sofa in leather upholstery by Afra&Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Italy 1969
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Soriana sofa 2 seater designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina 1969, Reupholster in new leather. Polyuretane, leather, steel. Excellent condition. A true icon of style, Soria...
Metal
Danish Vintage Two-Seater Sofa, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Danish-designed two-seater sofa from the 1960s, featuring a timeless silhouette and classic mid-century appeal. Upholstered in fabric, the sofa offers comfortable seating while bring...
Fabric
Guglielmo Veronesi, Sofa, Fabric, Brass, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black fabric, red velvet and brass sofa or loveseat designed by Guglielmo Veronesi and produced by ISA, Bergamo, Italy, c. 1950s. Fabric and cushions distressed; reupholstery enco...
Brass
Englander & Bonta, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Brass, Argentina, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A gray beige fabric, wood and brass sofa produced by Englander & Bonta, Argentina, c. 1950s. In fair vintage condition, showing significant wear consistent with age and use. Sun...
Brass
Fine Vintage Sofa With Custom Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Light and very well made Two cushion sofa with gentle sloping arm and tapered wood legs. Solid feeling and comfortable with plush feather wrap seat cushion. The refined raised white-...
Fabric, Wood
$68,788 / set
Ubald Klug Iconic 'Terrazza' Sofa Island for De Sede
By Ubald Klug
Located in Tilburg, NL
Ubald Klug DS-1025 'Terrazza' Sofa Island (4 pieces together) for De Sede, Switzerland. New, current production. The timeless classic 'Terrazza' sofa by De Sede in wonderful high-en...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Italian Sofas with Fede Cheti Fabric, 1940s–1950s
By Fede Cheti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
A distinctive pair of Italian two-seater sofas dating from the 1940s–1950s, upholstered in original multicoloured striped fabric attributed to the textile designer Fede Cheti. The s...
Fabric, Textile, Wood
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Danish Modern Beautiful striped wool 3 Seat Sofa by Erik Jørgensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful Mid century Danish modern off white / gray striped woven wool 3 seat sofa Birch wood frame and legs. Designed by Erik Jørgensen. Beautiful light gray striped upholstery is ...
Wool, Upholstery, Birch
Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic LC2 Petit Modele two-seat black leather sofa originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928 was produced by Cassina in 1994. The ...
Steel, Chrome
Maison Regain Sculptural Elm Sofa in Off-White Teddy Upholstery, France, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Maison Regain Sculptural Elm Sofa in Off-White Teddy Upholstery, France, 1970s An exceptional three-seat sofa by Maison Regain, made in France in the 1970s. The design is defined by...
Upholstery, Elm
Vico Magistretti Maralunga 40S Sofa for Cassina, Italy
Located in Berlin, DE
The price of the sofa is dependent on the chosen fabric and size. The two-seater is available in 156cm oder 166cm width. The three-seater is available in 228 or 238cm width. In 201...
Leather, Fabric
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1980s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and floral printed beige fabric sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1980s. Lower left side post, right center post, and right corner arm rest wicker fraying. ...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
$3,300Sale Price|40% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern 3 Seat 205 Sofa by Børge Mogensen Sofa Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern 3 seat sofa by børge mogensen sofa. Great Scandinavian Modern Borge Mogensen model 205 low slung three-seat sofa. Manufactured by Frederica Stolefabrik in 1...
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century , Brown Atlantis Three seats Sofa, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small...
Fabric
$3,701Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Federico Munari Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Armchairs, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful pair of armchairs designed by Federico Munari in the early 1950s. The upholstery has been redone in velvet. The sofa is also available.
Brass
1950s Italian Two-Seater Sofa by Gigi Radice for Minotti in Rubelli Fabric
By Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A beautifully proportioned 1950s Italian two-seater sofa designed by Gigi Radice and produced by Minotti, this piece captures the soft elegance and sculptural charm of Italian mid-ce...
Brass
Three-Seater Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Togo was designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973 for Ligne Roset. It is the first sofa/chair ever made only of foam and leather. The collection features an ergonomic design with polye...
Textile, Foam
Modular (14) Mah Jong ‘MISSONI’ sofa by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois France
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Roche Bobois Mah Jong Modular Sofa by Hans Hopfer in Missoni Home Fabrics 14 pieces : 8 cushions, 4 backrests, 2 small cushions. An exceptionally vibrant and beautifully balanced Mah...
Fabric
Limited Edition Multicolor George Nelson For Herman Miller Marshmallow Sofa
By George Nelson, Irving Harper, Herman Miller
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
George Nelson Office – Limited Edition Marshmallow Sofa Designed by Irving Harper for the George Nelson office, this multicolored Marshmallow Sofa is a limited edition piece manufact...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
PK 31/2 - Sofa in original leather by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/2 - 2-seater sofa in original, red leather on frame in steel. Designed by Poul Kjærholm and made by E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
Vintage Percival Lafer MP-211 Three Seat Sofa in Original Leather c 1960
Located in Portland, OR
Rare Percival Lafer three-seat sofa in Brazilian rosewood wood with all original leather upholstery. In his unique designs, Percival Lafer sought ergonomy and comfort as well as a dr...
Leather, Rosewood
Italian Modern Two-Seat "Confidential" Sofa by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Note that this listing is for the 2-seater sofa/loveseat alone (matching 3-seat sofa and lounge chair are available separately). Two-piece "Confidential" Sofa/Loveseat designed in 19...
Metal
1970s Rare Mid Century Two-Seat Sofa, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Velvet fabric in good original condition - cleaned - high of seat 40 cm
Fabric
Vivai del Sud Sofà Italian Design 1970s Flowers Black Multi-Color Bamboo
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Vivai del Sud sofà Italian design 1970s flowers black multi-color bamboo.
Fabric, Bamboo
Moncloud Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Modern Italian Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Moncloud Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola. Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) THE FUTURE IN A SOFA A generous, welcoming refuge that celebrates comfort and hospitality. Designed by ...
Upholstery
Percival Lafer Green Sofa Mp 97 Leather Sofa Extended Head Rest
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Percival Lafer MP - 97 sofa for Brazil Industries. Coveted extended headrest. This sofa was recently reupholstered in a high end olive green leather. Retains its original Solid ha...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Italian Tropical Chic Loveseat by Vivai del Sud, Rattan & Bamboo
Located in Catania, CT
This is an exceptional and highly sought-after Mid-Century Italian loveseat settee manufactured by the celebrated Roman design house, Vivai del Sud, circa the 1960s. The piece exempl...
Bamboo, Rattan
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Stressless Tan Leather Teak Wood Reclining Sofa
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, sculptural reclining leather sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful so...
Leather, Wood
1960s Milo Baughman Rosewood and Smoky Grey Brown Suede Three-Seater Sofa
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer this striking vintage sofa by Milo Baughman, circa 1967. Featuring a beautifully grained rosewood frame with bold architectural lines, the design perfect...
Suede, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Beijinho Sofa, DEDAR White Boucle, Handmade by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern BeijinhoSofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Beijinho sofa seamlessly combines the soft...
Brass
Lawson-Fenning Douglas Sofa, Green Mohair & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mohair Douglas sofa by Lawson-Fenning. The Douglas sofa is a low slung sofa with a down-wrapped seat cushion and solid American walnut or white oak...
Upholstery, Oak, Mohair
Cushman Furniture, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige fabric sofa produced by Cushman Furniture, USA, c. 1940s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Dimensions: 34” H x 81.5” W x 33.5” D Seat Height: 17” All items shi...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern 1960s Sofa by Viko Baumritter
Located in New York, NY
This floating 1960s sofa was manufactured by Viko Baumritter , an American furniture Company that later became Ethan Allen. The sofa has a metal frame and metal splay legs with a fau...
Metal
Sofa and Pair of Armchairs "Sofo" Design Superstudio for Poltronova, 1966
Located in taranto, IT
Designed in 1968 by the avant-garde collective Superstudio and produced by Poltronova, the Sofo seating system is a milestone in Italian Radical Design. This piece was born as an iro...
Velvet, Plastic
Georg Thams Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Sofa
By Georg Thams
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Georg Thams Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Sofa This sofa measures: 90 wide x 32 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 23 inches Excellent Vintage Con...
Upholstery, Teak
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and wood sofa or loveseat designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced, several minor stains. Wear consistent with age and use. ...
Fabric, Wood
Sacco Sofa by Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini, Franco Teodoro for Zanotta, Italy
By Mario Bellini, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare two-seat Sacco Sofa by Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini, Franco Teodoro for Zanotta, Italy. Newly upholstered in pure Alpaca wool fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric
1970s Elegant Wood Frame Sofa – Newly Reupholstered, Mid-Century Design
Located in Krefeld, DE
Elegant 1970s sofa featuring a beautifully wooden frame and refined fabric upholstery. The piece showcases the distinctive design language of the era, quality craftsmanship, and a ti...
Fabric, Wood
Tobia Scarpa "Coronado" Black Leather Sofa for B&B, Italy 1970 ca.
Located in Sacile, PN
Coronado sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. The project is dated 1966. Black leather, great condition.
Iron
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Viliam Chlebo, Brown Upholstery, 1980
Located in High Point, NC
A Mid Century Modern sofa by Viliam Chlebo for Kodret Myjav, its brown upholstered cushions set within a slender, tubular chrome metal frame that immediately signals the era of its d...
Metal
1970s Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1970s Afra and Tobia Scarpa Soriana Sofa for Cassina, Italy. In a gorgeous burnt orange leather upholstery with a beautiful age commensurate patina throughout. As comfort...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Sofa "Cado" by Gunnar Gravesen and David Lewis Divano for ICF
By Gunnar Gravesen, ICF Group, David Lewis
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa "Cado" by Gunnar Gravesen and David Lewis Divano for ICF, Velvet upholstery Caramel brown shade Italy, 1970s
Textile, Velvet
1950s Daybed by Angelo Mangiarotti & Bruno Morassutti
By Bruno Morassutti, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Milano, IT
A daybed supported by three legs, made of teak in approximately 1955 by Mascheroni based on a patented design by architects Angelo Mangiarotti and Bruno Morassutti. This piece of fur...
Teak
Milo Baughman Tuxedo Sofa for Thayer Coggin c. 1970s
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
A chocolate brown 1970s sofa designed by one of the most iconic Mid Century Modern Designers Milo Baughman and made by Thayer Coggin. Modern....
Upholstery, Wood
Rare Italian 1980's Lucite and Brass Sofa by Fabian
By F. Fabbian
Located in New York, NY
Rare 1980's Lucite and Brass sofa by Fabian. The Brass and lucite sofa has wonderful linear lines and sits on a plinth base. Minimal scratches from age related wear
Brass
Pierre Paulin ABCD Two-Seater Sofa for Artifort, Netherlands, 1969
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Pierre Paulin in 1968 and produced by Artifort in the Netherlands from 1969, the ABCD sofa is one of the most recognisable designs of the Space Age era. Rather than readi...
Fabric, Foam
$9,258 / item
Wavy / Scallop Back Sofa, Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern scallop back sofa upholstered in a premium, soft, green grey pure mohair fabric. Listed measurments are approximate. Available in bespoke widths and in COM - ple...
Fabric, Wood
Patricia Urquiola 'Bowy' Sofa in beige for Cassina, Italy, new
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. Modular sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2018. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. An inventive modular sofa, with soft, inviting curves that bespeak comfort to the max and extreme versatility. The rounded arm-rests curve to meet the back, the shape expressing the crafts excellence synonymous with Cassina’s crafts expertise, more evidence of which can be seen in the upholstery edge-stitching that delineates the lines of the various elements. The sofa is composed of single units that have been conceived as if they were tiny sculptures...
Metal
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno 'D70' Sofa in Cognac Brown Leather
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, sofa, model, 'D70', steel, brass, leather, Italy, 1954 A sofa that transforms into a daybed designed by Osvaldo Borsani in 1954. Extraordinary elegance in...
Brass, Steel
Customizable Double-Back Sofa In Ultra Suede Fabric By José Castro
Located in New York, NY
This striking and sophisticated sofa is a beautiful blend of comfort and modern design. It features a graceful, upholstered curved form that creates an inviting and fluid silhouette....
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Lawson-Fenning Morro Sectional, Beige Tufted Linen & Solid Oak, Modern Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Morro Sectional by Lawson-Fenning is our deepest and largest scaled sectional featuring a biscuit tufted seat, loose back cushions and a geometrically sculpted base. Available in...
Linen, Oak, Upholstery